Bhubaneswar: Science is not confined to laboratories or the domain of professional researchers. It is embedded in everyday life, with every individual applying scientific principles through observation, experience and reasoning, experts said at a book launch programme organised by the Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) on Wednesday.
Two books, ‘Bigyana Sadhaka’ and ‘Rushi Baigyanika’, authored by Kalpataru Patra, a noted mathematics teacher and science enthusiast from Baleshwar district, were unveiled at the OKCL conference hall.
Speaking as chief guest, Prasad Tripathy, educationist, litterateur and secretary of Naba Jibana Shiksha Sansad, said every individual is, in essence, a scientist. Science is not limited to formal education, research institutions or laboratories but finds expression in people’s everyday activities and livelihoods.
“An ordinary farmer who studies soil conditions, weather patterns and seasonal cycles before cultivation, a fisherman who understands tides and water currents, or a potter who gauges the moisture of clay and the rotation of the wheel—all apply scientific principles in their respective professions,” he observed. Even a homemaker, while balancing ingredients, temperature and timing during cooking, puts science into practice, he added.
Attending the event as a guest of honour, science education promoter and author of ‘Hatapantara Bigyana’ (Science Within Reach) Brahmananda Swain highlighted that scientific thinking evolves through observation, experimentation, experience, error correction and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. These processes, he said, form the foundation of scientific temper.
Managing Director of OKCL Dr. Manoranjan Puthal underscored the transformative potential of technology in education. He said technology, when integrated with a humanistic and reflective approach, can bring meaningful changes to the learning process. Emphasising the need to move beyond conventional classroom teaching and textbook-based learning, he advocated a joyful, creative and experiential approach to children’s education.
Sharing the inspiration behind his books, author Kalpataru Patra said science does not belong to any particular group or profession. Rather, it is an expression of human curiosity and experience, driven by the continuous endeavour to make life easier and better. He stressed that science education should go beyond memorising formulas, definitions and facts to nurture curiosity, logical reasoning, observation and problem-solving abilities among learners.
Among others, Dr Niranjan Sahu, former IAS officer and critic, and Rabindranath Padhi, principal of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Khandagiri, also shared their perspectives at the programme.